What has become a famous Irish folk song is known as both “Cockles and Mussels” or “In Dublin’s Fair City,” but it is most commonly referred to as “Molly Malone.” This song has become the unofficial anthem of Dublin in Ireland and drove the creation of the Molly Malone Statue, which celebrates a semi-historical and semi-legendary figure that defines a powerful identity for the city and nation.
Bringing an Icon to life
Irish tradition state that a fishwife named Molly Malone also worked the streets of Dublin in the 17th century until she died suddenly of a fever. After her death, her ghost began haunting those same Dublin streets. While this story is more legend than history, some theories suggest that it’s based on a real woman who died in Dublin in 1699, but this has never been proven. The “Molly Malone” song that commemorates this legend is believed to have come together in the 1800s.
Referred to as the “Tart with the Cart,” a statue that commemorates this legend and specifically personifies Molly Malone herself was unveiled during the 1988 Dublin Millennium celebrations. Created by artist Jeanne Rynhart, the piece depicts her wearing a low-cut 17th-century dress and pushing a wheelbarrow, bringing to life the person who has become one of Dublin’s most popular tourist attractions.
The Molly Malone Statue is depicted in countless maps and guides to the city as well as on countless pieces of merchandise. It’s also a key element of a celebration that takes place every June 13th to honor Molly Malone, with festivities that include a parade, live music, and street performers. This event highlights how the piece has become such an important means of connection for both residents and tourists.
The lyrics to the song include the line, “I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone,” highlighting why she became such an icon for the city and nation. However, the Molly Malone Statue has brought this icon to life in a way that has created connection and revenue across the city and nation.
When Legend Becomes Reality
While it’s not known if Molly Malone ever truly existed, the Molly Malone Statue has become one of Dublin’s most recognizable landmarks, attracting hordes of tourists daily that post for pictures with the piece. The sculpture has uniquely brought to life a legend on an otherwise empty street to become one of the most familiar symbols of the capital.